Suture Anchor Cartridge with Pre-threaded Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture anchor and threader devices are difficult to use, prone to mistakes, and can cause damage during knotting and threading processes, especially due to the small size of bone anchors and the lack of stability in prior art devices, leading to inefficiencies and potential malfunctions in minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A sterile packaging unit with a suture anchor cartridge that includes a rectangular case with a sliding top and bottom portion, a pre-threaded suture loop, and a clip for attachment to a driver shaft, allowing for easy threading and knotting of the suture through the anchor's eyelet, with a breakable distal end for secure separation from the cartridge, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the suture anchor is made small for minimally invasive surgery, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in threading and knotting
Solution Approach 1:
The suture loop is pre-threaded through the eyelet of the suture anchor during manufacturing, eliminating the need for the surgeon to perform the difficult threading operation intraoperatively. The cartridge is also pre-assembled with the suture anchor secured by a breakable distal end, ready for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge serves as an intermediary device that holds and presents the pre-threaded suture anchor to the surgeon. The breakable distal end acts as a temporary connector that facilitates handling during surgery but is designed to separate cleanly, leaving only the suture anchor and pre-threaded suture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the suture anchor is securely fastened to the holder, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in release
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end of the suture anchor is designed with a breakable connection that is prepared in advance but only activated during surgery when needed for release from the cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end transitions from an intact state (providing secure attachment to the cartridge) to a broken state (allowing release). This phase transition is triggered by controlled breaking at a predetermined point, transforming the attachment mechanism from permanent to temporary.
3Reliability
If clamping is used to lock the suture into the anchor, then the reliability is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to suture damage from shearing
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful clamping mechanism that causes shearing damage is completely removed from the design. Instead, the suture is locked into the anchor through friction and geometry of the pre-threaded loop, eliminating the need for clamps that could damage the suture.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end of the suture anchor is designed as a disposable component that breaks after use. This breakable design ensures that the suture is not subjected to repeated clamping or tightening forces that could cause cumulative damage, while still providing reliable locking during the surgical procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchor cartridge having a rectangular case portion that includes a top portion and a rectangular bottom portion, the bottom portion including an opening, and the top portion being slidably connected with the bottom portion. A suture anchor is suspended in the opening in the bottom portion. The suture anchor being held at a distal end and at a proximal end by the suture anchor cartridge, and a suture-threading loop is disposed within the bottom portion.